Kurtz aims to improve abilities of funeral directors

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By Matt Durr

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

By Matt Durr

Posted Feb. 28, 2013 at 8:23 AM

By Matt Durr

Posted Feb. 28, 2013 at 8:23 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

matt.durr@hillsdale.netLANSING — State Rep. Ken Kurtz announced legislation this week that would allow for funeral directors to cross state lines in order to complete the necessary processes involved with handling a funeral.House Bills 4303, 4329 and 4330 were sent to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform Wednesday to be reviewed before any potential passing of the legislation.As a funeral director himself, Kurtz said the bill is a necessary step for the state of Michigan."No one understands better than the families we serve the trust given to a funeral director to protect the dignity and respect of their loved one," said Kurtz, R-Coldwater, in a press release. "I understand how much the families involved depend on a reliable and caring funeral director. This legislation ensures that families can continue to receive this kind of service from Michigan funeral directors even if the death occurs out of state."Funeral directors in Ohio and Indiana currently have the rights to cross state lines for transportation, document signings and removal and these bills would grant directors in Michigan those same rights.Kurtz also introduced HB 4304, which would require all funeral homes to be registered with the Pre-paid Funeral and Cemetery Act in order to apply for a new license or to renew an existing one. Kurtz believes this legislation will help stop cases of fraud. There has been a rise over the last few years in the amount of unregistered funeral homes selling pre-need contracts and Kurtz believes his legislation will prevent that from continuing.